Design starts with the load: a heat loss calculation for the building, its occupancy and opening hours, how much hot water it uses and whether any spaces need cooling. From that we propose plant sizes and positions, on a roof, in a yard or in a plant enclosure, with the structural, electrical and noise checks each position needs. Larger plant may need a three-phase supply, which the network operator may need to provide or confirm.
On busy the Scottish Borders high streets, deliveries and crane lifts are scheduled around access restrictions and opening hours. Landlords and managing agents in the Scottish Borders can phase the work to keep tenants and staff comfortable during the switchover. Offices and shops in the Scottish Borders with a flat roof or rear yard often have space for outdoor plant, checked for structure and access.
Who it suits
- Buildings with roof or yard space for outdoor plant
- Blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation needing shared or per-flat systems
- Offices, shops and small commercial premises replacing gas or oil boilers
- Premises that also want cooling in some areas
Grants and rules for heat pumps in Scotland
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not apply in Scotland. Instead, homeowners in the Scottish Borders can apply to Home Energy Scotland for a grant of up to £7,500 towards a heat pump, with up to £1,500 more for eligible rural and island homes, plus an optional interest-free loan of up to £7,500. You need a written funding offer before any work starts.
Installing heat pumps is zero-rated for VAT across the UK until 31 March 2027. Scotland has its own permitted development rules for air source heat pumps and its own building standards, so we confirm what applies to your property at survey.
Prices
Commercial systems are priced after a site survey and load calculation.
Towns we cover in the Scottish Borders
We cover 8 towns in the Scottish Borders for commercial heat pump installation. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Scotland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duns | TD11 | Eyemouth | 7 h 00 min |
| Eyemouth | TD14 | Duns | 6 h 58 min |
| Galashiels | TD1 | Selkirk | 7 h 02 min |
| Hawick | TD9 | Selkirk | 7 h 04 min |
| Jedburgh | TD8 | Kelso | 7 h 04 min |
| Kelso | TD5 | Jedburgh | 7 h 02 min |
| Peebles | EH45 | Penicuik | 7 h 01 min |
| Selkirk | TD7 | Galashiels | 7 h 03 min |
Commercial heat pump installation questions
What is a cascaded heat pump system?
A cascaded system links two or more outdoor heat pump units to one controller, which runs as many units as demand needs. On mild days one unit might run; on cold days all of them. This keeps each unit working efficiently, spreads wear across the units and means heating can usually continue at reduced output if one unit needs repair or servicing.
How much does a commercial heat pump cost?
Commercial heat pumps are priced after a site survey, because cost depends on the building's heat load, the number and size of units, where the plant goes, access, and any changes to the heating system inside. We then give a written quote setting out the equipment, the programme and what is included. There is no reliable guide price for commercial work without seeing the building.
Are there grants for commercial heat pumps?
It depends on the building, its size and use, who owns it and which nation it is in, and the rules differ from those for homes. We check at survey whether any scheme applies to your building in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, and we do not include a grant in the quote unless eligibility has been confirmed.
Can commercial heat pumps provide cooling as well?
Some can. Air-to-water heat pumps are mainly used for heating and hot water, but certain units can also supply chilled water for fan coil units. Air-to-air systems heat and cool directly through indoor units and suit offices and shops where cooling is wanted. The survey identifies which areas need cooling and recommends a system to match.